On Saturday, March 26, 2016, Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) takes on the IBF No. 1 contender at 175 pounds, Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs).
The matchup will be Ward’s first full step into the Light Heavyweight division and should provide a stiff test for the former Super Middleweight kingpin.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s staff predictions for Ward vs. Barrera and let us know who you think will win.
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Joseph Diaz
vs.
Jayson Velez
Milo Taibi, Staff Writer
I’m picking Joseph Diaz. With Jayson Velez serving as the biggest name on the 23-year-old prospect’s resume, Velez will be a formidable opponent in Diaz’s HBO debut.
But, Velez will be making a relatively quick turnaround from a UD loss on November 21.
I think Diaz will take a hard-fought victory over the battle-tested Velez, and continue to ascend the Featherweight ranks.
Prediction: Diaz
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
I like Joseph Diaz in this fight. I think Diaz will look to capitalize on the opportunity of his HBO debut.
Diaz should look to make it impressive against Jayson Velez and will win by KO.
Prediction: Diaz
Paul Johnson, Staff Writer
Prediction: Diaz
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
Prediction: Diaz
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
A real test for Jo Jo Diaz comes in the form of Puerto Rican featherweight Jayson Velez. Velez has more experience and a six-inch reach advantage, but due to his tendency to be aggressive (and Diaz having to get close to be effective), this may not have an effect on the fight.
Velez is skilled, but at times his aggression leads to huge opportunities for his opponents. This fight should be an all action affair, due to both fighters’ aggressive natures.
However, the greener Diaz is seemingly the more complete fighter of the two and his work to the body should see him wear Velez down as the fight continues. With his work ethic and prolific body punching, I think Diaz stays undefeated by stopping Velez late, or by decision.
Prediction: Diaz
Robert Contreras, Staff Writer
Prediction: Diaz
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Diaz
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Really good co-main event between Joseph Diaz and Jayson Velez. It wasn’t too long ago that Velez was being touted as a future champion, but after a hard-fought draw against Evgeny Gradovich and dropping a decision to the less heralded Ronny Rios, Velez finds himself in need of a big victory to avoid gatekeeper status.
Diaz seems to have the goods, but this will definitely be his biggest test to date.
I don’t think it’ll be a walk in the park, but I expect Diaz to come out on top with a decision or late-stoppage victory.
Prediction: Diaz
Andre Ward
vs.
Sullivan Barrera
Milo Taibi, Staff Writer
Andre Ward is the pick here, despite a new weight class and spell of inactivity (which is nothing new for the 32-year-old).
It’s difficult to regard Sullivan Barrera as a true threat to Ward’s undefeated record; as recently as last year, Barrera labored and had difficulty putting away the shopworn Jeff Lacy.
Prediction: Ward
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
I think this is a huge test for Andre Ward and this will be a great fight. I expect Ward to stay smart and look to out box the powerful Sullivan Barrera.
Ward is a masterful technical boxer and I see him using that solid technique to beat Barrera by decision. My only concern is if Ward can withstand the upgrade in power as he enters the light heavy weight division.
All it takes is one really good shot, but I think too technically sound and calm to fall into the power of Barrera by mistake.
Prediction: Ward
Paul Johnson, Staff Writer
Prediction: Ward
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
Prediction: Ward
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
The real question about this match-up; what can we expect from Ward? Ward has only fought twice since defeating former Light Heavyweight champion, Chad Dawson back in 2012.
It’s now 2016. The 34 year old Barrera, who is two years older than Ward, is already a muscular, fully-grown, light heavyweight with punching power and a solid jab.
Normally, the size differential would give Barrera an edge, if we hadn’t seen Ward dismantle Dawson. Abel Sanchez has helped Barrera blend a pressure fighting style with Barrera’s Cuban style pedigree.
Their plan is to bully Ward with constant pressure and aggression. The problem with that is: though many have tried, I’ve never seen Ward bullied effectively.
Barrera is no push-over for this step up in weight, however if I can count on one thing; it’s that Ward will be totally prepared. Ward’s superior skill sets, IQ, and edge in experience will guide him to a decision win over Barrera.
Prediction: Ward
Robert Contreras, Staff Writer
Prediction: Barrera
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Ward
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
For as much flack as Andre Ward gets for being boring and making bad decision outside of the ring, his body of work is outstanding and this is a legitimate first test in the Light heavyweight division.
Sullivan Barrera, while largely untested as a professional, is a powerful Light Heavyweight and should give Ward a good stern test as “SOG” looks ahead towards a mega clash with Sergey Kovalev.
I think Ward will take a little while to knock off the ring rust, but he’ll settle into a groove and measure the distance to cleanly bang and outpoint Barrera over 12 rounds.
Prediction: Ward
All photos by Tom Hogan-Hogan Photos/Roc Nation Sports
